Berm controversy rises — Permit process for sand barrier rouses critics
By MARK BALLARD AND AMY WOLD, Advocate staff writers
Published: Sep 5, 2010 – Page: 1A Gov. Bobby Jindal’s controversial project to build sand barriers in the Gulf of Mexico to block oil from invading Louisiana’s marshes is reaching a critical juncture. As Jindal attempts to get permits to expand the project — plus more funding to transform the sandy sections, called berms, into longer-term barrier islands — the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is collecting comments from environmentalists and federal agencies. Many of them questioned the idea when it was first proposed and continue to challenge the project even as it is well under way. Some critics say the berms would use up scarce sand resources. Others say the dredging would disrupt habitats for marine life and could threaten the crabbing industry. Barry Kohl, president of the Louisiana Audubon Council and a professor of geology at Tulane University, wrote to the corps on Aug. 17: “According to a panicked Gov. Jindal, any project that appeared to provide protection should be immediately permitted — no matter the environmental consequences.” Yet to weigh in is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which, according to the Code of Federal Regulations, has veto power over projects it believes would harm water quality. The agency’s response will be delivered Tuesday, EPA spokesman Austin Vela said. The corps is considering whether to issue a regular permit for the six berms that were started under an emergency authorization. Jindal wants the regular permit for the six already being built and for 13 others — about 100 miles total. Jindal began the project in May hoping to block the estimated 4.1 million barrels of oil that gushed into the Gulf of Mexico after the BP Deepwater Horizon rig exploded and collapsed, killing 11. Some critics question the need for continuing, noting the oil is no longer leaking. …
